The first February weekend in Crete saw the weather turn from snowy wet winter to spring. For us this meant one thing, head to the mountains. Our friend and walking guide, Phil is very keen on Minoan history and he chose a fabulous hike ending at the ancient site of Kastro. This was an especially interesting route for us as we can see these mountains from our balcony in Kritsa.
We started from the village of Kavousi where there are notice boards to direct you to an ancient olive tree and three different Minoan sites.
This little church dedicated to Agia Paraskevi, Saint Friday, made an interesting stop. The notice board explained it was once a monastery for nuns. Our path continued behind the where there were outbuildings, possible the monastery accommodation.
At the top of the path we crossed a ‘saddle’ to look down the other side of the mountain where we saw many other tempting paths. This time we headed left to Kastro. Unlike many Minoan sites we’ve visited this one has good signage to explain the remains and provide insight to the lifestyle.
In the hazy distance you can just see our scorpion shaped village, Kritsa. Most of the white covering the mountains is cloud but you can just see a smudge of snow top right.
If you have a smartphone you can download Wikiloc, free of charge and use the route I uploaded to do the same walk.
Kritsa, at the heart of it all 
Reblogged this on stevedanielsincrete and commented:
A really interesting walk, thanks Yvonne.
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Thank you, Steve. We even mentioned your name when we saw a big black camera shy beetle. x
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Looks like quite a hike!
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Hi Jan. It was only 8k but my knees thought it longer! We’re so lucky to have all this variety close by. Almost time for a UK stint and next time we are here there should be a huge variety of flowers. x#Hope all is OK with you. x
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That may be the site I also found when I was in Crete. A signpost at the edge of the village directing me up a steep slope via a goat track to the very top of the hill. A spectacular view.
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Could be, the signage in Kavousi is good. Did you start off the Agios Nikolaos/Sitia road?. X
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Very nice to see some hiking activity from the beautiful island of Crete!
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Thank you…not as high as your hikes but accessible. X
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You are welcome.
And you know, all hikes and all outdoor activities have great views to offer no matter the altitude 🙂
Enjoy life in Crete!
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Wonderful views – you show us so many nice walks and I hope, once we can do it, too (If my hip is working well)
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Ah yes, you need two good hips! I wish you good health to climb up and see for yourself. x
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Love Minoan history, a fascinating race of people. I’ve been to Knossos and love to see the other sites.
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I have only been to Knossos once and I really should go again. I am lucky to live in an area where Minoan sites are easily accessible. There is a new excavation at Pachia Ammos near Gounia but it was waterlogged when we tried to visit last week. x
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How amazing! I love hearing about new discoveries. It just makes me want to travel more so! x
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I agree. So much to see. We are thinking about going to somewhere very different next year before we run out of money/health. Even investigating where to go in a world of endless choices is proving fun. x
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Ahh Kriti mou! xo
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We are waiting for you. X
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I can not wait! 🙂
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